NFL: The Pats stay perfect and close out the preseason with a big road win over the Giants

East Rutherford, New Jersey - The New England Patriots pulled out a strong road win over the New York Giants to finish the 2021 NFL preseason undefeated.

Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (c) led New England to score 16 of their 22 points during Sunday's win over the Giants.
Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (c) led New England to score 16 of their 22 points during Sunday's win over the Giants.  © IMAGO / Icon SMI

The Patriots beat the Giants on Sunday night 22-20 for their third-straight exhibition win on the final weekend of the preseason.

There was a quarterback competition in New England between 2021 first-round draft pick Mac Jones (22) and veteran Cam Newton, who’s already been named the starting QB to open the season. Sunday was Jones’ show though, while Newton started the game, but only completed two passes and threw an interception before being replaced by Jones.

Jones, who experienced success playing college football at the top-ranked University of Alabama, has been rumored to be the one rookie quarterback most likely to take a starting job from an established veteran.

Once he got into the game, Jones went 10-for-14 with 156 yards and a touchdown to help lead the Pats to victory. He was on the field for scoring drives that put up 16 of New England’s 22 total points, making his case to start sooner than expected after the regular season gets going.

However, he had his troubles behind the line of scrimmage, getting sacked four times in the game.

The Giants did keep the game close from the start. New York quarterback Daniel Jones only played in the first half, finishing his night by completing 17-of-22 pass attempts for 135 yards, one touchdown, and one pick.

Backup Mike Glennon had a better night, going 9-of-17 for 147 yards and two touchdowns. The second score attempted to tie things up in the final seconds, but the two-point conversion attempt failed when Glennon’s pass to Dante Pettis fell incomplete.

The Patriots will make their roster cuts by 4:00 PM ET on Tuesday, August 31, for their regular-season opener against the Dolphins on September 12, while the Giants must do the same for their opener against the Broncos.

Cover photo: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire

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